Research Associate II, Vivarium

Overview

Ready to join a team committed to developing and commercializing gene therapies for patients and families devastated by rare neurological genetic diseases? AveXis is advancing cutting-edge science, starting with our proprietary gene therapy for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). We are in the midst of an incredible journey and are looking for passionate individuals to join us on this important mission.

AveXis, a Novartis company, is dedicated to developing and commercializing novel treatments for patients suffering from rare and life-threatening neurological genetic diseases. Our initial product is a proprietary gene therapy approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of pediatric patients with SMA. In addition to developing a treatment for SMA, AveXis also plans to develop other novel treatments for rare neurological diseases, including Rett syndrome and a genetic form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis caused by mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene.

The Vivarium position in Research and Early Development will be responsible for animal care and handling including breeding, dosing, executing in vivo experiments and tissue collection under supervision of scientists in support of pipeline development.

Responsibilities

• Perform work necessary for the husbandry and study of rodent models of disease such as animal identification, breeding, weaning, and collection of tissue samples for biological analysis.
• Execute behavioral testing based on established protocols.
• Work interactively with research and development team to validate, characterize, and distribute mouse models that directly address drug discovery and program validation.
• Conduct basic molecular biology techniques necessary for genotyping.
• Organize, schedule and execute in vivo study plans designed by vivarium and program leads.
• Manage data and prepare technical reports, summaries, protocols and quantitative analysis, ensuring experiments are well documented and comply with regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and ensure safe laboratory environment and work practices. Follow standard operating procedures (SOP) and IACUC protocols.
• Help to maintain laboratory and order common supplies.
• Ability to work collaboratively across a dynamic scientific environment, therefore excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Additional activities as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university in a field related to biomedical research, neuroscience, animal behavior or animal sciences. Equivalent experience may be accepted.
• Experience in rodent handling is necessary.
• Proficiency with standard in vivo techniques in rodents, including dosing and sampling routes (e.g., po, ip, sc, iv dosing; cardiac bleeds; necropsy and organ/tumor harvest) is required.
• Experience with transcardiac perfusion preferred.
• Experience characterizing rodent models of various human diseases with behavioral testing is preferred.
• Previous industry experience is preferred but not required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

The level of this position will be based on the final candidate's qualifications.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

AveXis is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, sexual orientation or veteran status.

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